I am such a noob, I dont even know what terms to search for, so please link me if all this has been covered.

Right, so I have a house being renovated. Most walls are open and I want to take this opportunity to wire the house properly for a kick ass system.

Mainly just focused on audio not HT or video stuff.

House is small, ~1500 sq ft. I want audio in 2 BRs, 2 BTHS, Kitchen, LR.


Like most, I have a very extensive music collection housed on my PC. I would like to control playlists from here - to be played throughout the house. Would also like an aux plugin for iPods/MP3 players. CDs/Vinyl not as important.

Questions:

1. What receiver is best?
2. What kind of speakers should I be looking at?
3. Where can I / should I put subs?
4. What kind of wiring would be necessary? Anything other than simple speaker wire and a homerun back to the receiver?

No idea even what wattage /power I should be shooting for on something like this.

Another cool thing would be to control volume levels by room...no idea again

:confused::confused::confused:

I'd like to thank anyone replying in advance for their input / guidance.

John,

there are several ways of accomplishing what you want, so I will point out just a couple of options. The constraints and requirements in your setup, of course, is that you want audio sound quality over features, and you want distribution. Thus, in that light, here are some things you can start with:

Processor:
Since you don't care (at this point) about the latest and greatest in HT (including the newest HDR formats like truHD and DTS-MA), there are many possibilities here, specially for playback of the Mp3 listings you have.

a) buy a used high end processor: ~ $2-$4k
Pieces such as a Proceed AVP2, parasound Halo C1, Cary Cinema 11, can be had in the used market for very good pricing, and offer sound quality that you will not match with the current crop of receivers or even pre/pros. They have all the necessary connectivity sans the HDMI audio path.

b) buy a Integra 9.8/Onkyo 885, or wait for the Emotiva UCM-1/XMC-1
the Emotiva UCM-1 will set the standard of entry level processors with its full array of features, including the new HDR codecs, 4 HDMI 1.3 ins, 2 outs, and support for many other features. alternatively, the XCM-1 will have 6/2 in/out, and will have support for ethernet.
UCM-1 ~$699 eta 6/08
XCM-1 ~$999 eta 7/08

Alternatively, the Integra 9.8/onkyo 885, out now, offer the best array of features for the price, including support for all the HDR codecs, video upscaling using the HQV reon chipset, balanced XLR's, audyssey roomm EQ, ethernet, and everything under the sun pretty much
price: ~ $1600
The advantage of these pieces are their attractive feature set for the price, and can be had now.

Depending on how much weight you put on your music listening vs possible future HDR and HT, that is what will determine which of the above approaches you want to take.

HTPC:
Given your desire to have MP3s as your main source, and I would assume that you also want to broadcast Movies and TV to other rooms as well if need be, then I would Highly encourage you to build up an HTPC and store all your mp3's, DVDs, and pictures there, and connect the output to your processor.
Cost of building one can range from $600-$2000 depending how much processing power and storage you want.

Speakers:
Speakers are a very subjective and personal thing, so MANY choices here. However, one clear thing is that you will need two sets: one for your main room which would consist of pretty high end stuff, and then your distributed system throughout the house.

a)main room:
This boils down to budget I'm afraid! You can go for the used market and try to land a pair of B&W 802's, a pair of Von Schweiker VR4 Jr's, pair of Thiel CS3.7's, etc....for your main two front speakers. That will give you the optimum 2-channel listening.
cost ~$4-$6k

However, since you mentioned MP3's as your main source, I don't think you will be taking full advantage of the speakers, so I say you will be well off with some mid-level speakers, specially from one of the ID companies....these three are arguably the best bang for the buck right now, and offer EXCELLENT audio reproduction:

Swan Diva 6.1 (http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_30&products_id=48)
av123 Rockets 760s or 850s (http://**********/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=27&category_id=19&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37)
av123 X-static open baffle (http://**********/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=176&category_id=21&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37)

these are around the $700-$1400 range and offer EXCELLENT bang for your buck.

* for surrounds, it will boil down to which of the above you get....each has the accompanying center and surrounds for each, so we can go from there.
b)other rooms:
Since you will be doing a broadcast type system, the best approach here is to get some Niles in-wall or in-ceiling speakers throughout the house. They offer decent reproduction and go well with their distributed amplification solutions:
In Ceiling Speakers (http://www.nilesaudio.com/product_detail.php?recordID=Ceiling%20Mount%20Loudspeakers&categoryID=Speakers&catcdID=1)
In-wall Speakers (http://www.nilesaudio.com/product_detail.php?recordID=In-Wall%20Loudspeakers&categoryID=Speakers&catcdID=1)
from a performance and look standpoint, I would stick with the in-wall solution...I've installed a couple of these and they sound excellent for what they are at an attractive price.

c)Subwoofer:
you will not need subwoofers in the rooms/halls, as that is not necessary. Your main concern is to provide Low extension for your main listening room: easy solution:
Epik Tower or Castle (http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/Products.html)
or
pair of MFW15's from av123 (link here (http://**********/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=178&Itemid=37))

Amplification:
again, we will break this up into two portions: your main listening room, and your distributed system:

a)Main room:
There won't be a better bang for your buck than to go with a good stereo amp for your mains, and some decent amps for your center and surrounds, and nobody will offer a better bang for you buck than Emotiva!
I would do the following:

* 1 Emotiva XPA-2 for your front two: http://www.emotiva.com/xpa2.html
* 1 Emotiva XPA-5 for your center plus surrounds (assuming you go 7.1) http://www.emotiva.com/xpa5.html

other options of course include going more highend, and again, look into audiogon for deals on such pieces as the Cinenova Grande, Titan Sim, Pass Labs, etc......but they will be substantially more money!

b)Distributed rooms:
Here is where you have a couple of options:

* you could get a Niles distributed amplifier such as the 1230, which will power up to 12 speakers throught the house in a distributed format:
http://www.nilesaudio.com/product.php?prodID=SI-1230&recordID=Multichannel%20Power%20Amplifiers&categoryID=System%20Integration%20Amplifiers&catcdID=4&prdcdID=FG00737

* Control4 offers arguably the best distributed amplification setup:
http://www.control4.com/cp/43-D8B8AE43/index.htm
16 channels, 50w, very clean...........however, it is pricier than the rest.


Wiring:
we will cover this more in detail later, but for now, you can get long runs from Monoprice.com for both audio and video (including HDMI)....We will come back to this.



This is a good start for now....again, many more options, but this will give you a taste. Also, keep in mind, that you can get even GREATER performance on your dollar if you have some tools and can go the DIY route! ;)

**Placeholder**

I'll reply with some options later

Really, are you trying to be the first in line?

Really, are you trying to be the first in line?

Theres a waitlist. Allocations through page 6 are on eBay :p

More information is needed:

1) Budget
2) Sonic expectations (audiophile? just background listening?)
3) Source media to be shared (mp3s only?, CDs, SACDs, etc.)
4) Wiring situation (easy to add wiring at this point? is the home fully networked? new construction?)
5) Do you want each room to be able to play different music at the same time or do you want more of a broadcast system? It sounds like you want to hit play on your PC and have music throughout the house with _maybe_ a volume control in each zone?

If you want the same music throughout the house:
It sounds like you want to look at the Niles family of audio products. They sell audio extenders, distribution boxes, remote amps, volume controls, in-wall speakers, etc. that are specifically made for this kind of whole-house audio. Something like a speaker distribution hub w. muting, muting volume controls (1 per room), and an amp + speakers for each listening zone. Most of these amps can be very small because they'll be powering small in-wall speakers. If one of the rooms is the HT then you could use a full receiver instead of the volume control. Near your PC you'll have a selector to pick your source (PC, CD player, etc.) and distribute it through the house. The wiring for these systems tend to be a mix of coax and Cat5 (Ethernet) cabling.

There are also some systems that drive the speakers directly (instead of having an amp in each room). If you were only doing 2 rooms, a receiver with multi-zone capabilities would be the easiest solution (just run speaker wire to that room).

Another (but potentially more expensive solution) would be to put a lightweight system in each area (receiver + speakers, could be an all-in-one unit, etc.) and get a Squeezebox for each room. The Squeezebox will pull mp3s (and other compressed formats) from your PC and play them. This would allow each room to pick the music that they want to hear. I am running a system similar to this (house server + various PCs, slingboxes, and mp3 players all networked together).

More information is needed:

1) Budget
2) Sonic expectations (audiophile? just background listening?)
3) Source media to be shared (mp3s only?, CDs, SACDs, etc.)
4) Wiring situation (easy to add wiring at this point? is the home fully networked? new construction?)
5) Do you want each room to be able to play different music at the same time or do you want more of a broadcast system? It sounds like you want to hit play on your PC and have music throughout the house with _maybe_ a volume control in each zone?

If you want the same music throughout the house:
It sounds like you want to look at the Niles family of audio products. They sell audio extenders, distribution boxes, remote amps, volume controls, in-wall speakers, etc. that are specifically made for this kind of whole-house audio. Something like a speaker distribution hub w. muting, muting volume controls (1 per room), and an amp + speakers for each listening zone. Most of these amps can be very small because they'll be powering small in-wall speakers. If one of the rooms is the HT then you could use a full receiver instead of the volume control. Near your PC you'll have a selector to pick your source (PC, CD player, etc.) and distribute it through the house. The wiring for these systems tend to be a mix of coax and Cat5 (Ethernet) cabling.

There are also some systems that drive the speakers directly (instead of having an amp in each room). If you were only doing 2 rooms, a receiver with multi-zone capabilities would be the easiest solution (just run speaker wire to that room).

Another (but potentially more expensive solution) would be to put a lightweight system in each area (receiver + speakers, could be an all-in-one unit, etc.) and get a Squeezebox for each room. The Squeezebox will pull mp3s (and other compressed formats) from your PC and play them. This would allow each room to pick the music that they want to hear. I am running a system similar to this (house server + various PCs, slingboxes, and mp3 players all networked together).
Thanks!

1) Hard to say... $10k-15k?
2) Somewhere in between. I'm a musician and want the best quality for the money. However I am not concerned with metrics and truly examining the physics of the sound
3) MP3s Primarily. I'd love to tie in a simple cd player and ipod which I dont imagine would be hard.
4) Yup still easy to add wiring. Not much sheetrock on.
5) Broadcast system for sure. All the same song throughout.

In-wall speakers sound trick, but sound permanent. I'll wire the thing, but I'd like to take all other equip with me should I have to sell the house.

Is it possible to control specific room volume levels, say...from a software on my computer? how about a wireless universal remote?

I'm still young, so I definitely want it to be powerful. I want people to walk away saying it was "thunderous" and for a 1500 sq ft 1 story, I dont think that will be too hard.

updated

ssabripo first "reserved" the top spot of this thread Yesterday at 04:47 PM and did not edit it until today at 09:08 AM. I wonder why ssabripo did this?